Pro-Life Education Program
Outline & Resources
Our mission is to develop a true and lasting understanding among children from K - 12th grade of the sanctity of all human life - unborn, handicapped, the terminally ill, and the aged. We are commanded by the Gospel to create a "Culture of Life" in our families, schools, parishes, communities and the world. Only by living out the Gospel of Life, and teaching it, can we hope to accomplish this awesome task.
Christian educators and especially those in charge, have a specific and unique opportunity and obligation: To rebuild a Culture of Life by teaching COMPREHENSIVELY the sanctity of Life. This is particularly true in a singular way for parents, as parents are the first and primary teachers of the Christian Faith and of morals.
We must acknowledge the reality that if we do not teach our children the truth NOW, we are all doomed to a future of a worsening culture of death.
We are in no way proposing sex education. We propose teaching the sanctity of life--from conception to natural death.
We are not presenting a finished program here. We are developing an outline, and offer it as a guide to be used in bringing about a full curriculum. There is an abundance of available material that is suitable for classroom use. Dozens of videos, books, booklets, and pamphlets, as well as fetal models, and posters are readily available.
Materials: This is only a partial list.
High School:
Each year of High School will cover the Vote Pro-Life Message. Junior and senior year each will focus on voting and political-historical background of the battle between the cultures of life v. death.
Recommended Resources:
Is the Fetus a Person? (Lesson Plan Project)
Grade 10-12 (15-18 years old) Time: 60 minutes Objective: Upon completion of this lesson students will understand that the embryo or fetus is a human person. They may be able to discuss past instances in which people were denied personhood. They may be able to discuss how a choice of vocabulary determines our view of personhood.
Election Day and Christian Responsibility is a concise, one page hand out.(Grades 9 -12)
Voter's Guide for Serious Catholics - A very brief booklet also viewable on-line. (Grades 9 -12)
Government, Law, and Political Responsibility for Life Issues at Priests For Life
A Brief Catechism for Catholic Voters is must reading for every Catholic family. It is also very important for high-school students to learn this so that they can be properly informed Christian Voters.
By Father Stephen F. Torraco, Ph.D.
Available from Leaflet Missal Company 1-800-328-9582 or On-line at: www.leafletmissal.org.
Cost is $0.95 for each, OR 60 cents each plus shipping and handling for a quantity of 25 (this would cost $19.95 for 25).
Quantity of 50 for $0.55
100 for $0.50 500 for $0.39
1000 for $0.35
This is the most important little book Christians should read before elections. It is written in the style of the old Baltimore catechism—15 direct questions with concise answers.
Other documents:
Human Personhood Begins at Conception by Peter Kreeft, Ph.D.
The comprehensive: When Do Human Beings Begin? "Scientific" Myths and Scientific Facts by Dianne N. Irving, M.A., Ph.D.
Fetal Psychology is an incredible article that should be covered in depth each year of high-school.
Resource List
Human Development from Conception to Birth
SPIRITUAL ADOPTION PRAYER
Dear Jesus, child of Mary, I love you and thank you for your unconditional love. I plead with you to save the life of ______ and _______, the unborn children whom we have spiritually adopted and whose lives are threatened by abortion. May these children be allowed to grow in wisdom, age and strength in your presence and in the sight of all. Amen"
Plastic Model of 11-12 Week Preborn Baby (aprox. 2 ¼" Long) Only 26 cents in large quantity. Each model comes with a PHOTO FRONT card which details fetal development on the back. From Victory One.
This is a very powerful but inexpensive model that is excellent for hands on teaching with students. When a student holds this model pre-born baby in their hands and is taught the truth of life before birth it will create a lasting impression. Students are instructed to "keep baby safe" as they will be all bringing "their babies" back to class for future lessons. Used till end of High School.
FRESHMAN
VIDEOS
"The Silent Scream" - Dr. Bernard Nathanson narrates as an actual first-trimester suction abortion is performed. Irrefutable evidence of the humanity of the child - she struggles to escape the curette. (28 min) graphic.
Partial Birth: Eyewitness Testimony Brenda Pratt Shafer worked for late term Abortionist, Martin Haskill. She witnessed - Haskill pull out a perfectly formed baby and force a scissors into its skull. She testified at the PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION hearings. Even Christians refuse to believe how bad things are - this testimony will enlighten them. Priced for mass distribution. ( 30 min)
Pro-Chastity education: "Sex Has A Price Tag - 2000" - 60 minutes - Pam Stenzel combines her personal story and extensive pregnancy counseling experience into a hard hitting look at the consequences of sexual activity outside a monogamous lifetime marital commitment. In a captivating and inspiring talk, Pam tackles the tough issues of sex with candor, insight, and humor, with a challenge for young people to get the "abstinence advantage." Pam has spoken to thousands of teens and has appeared several times on EWTN's "Life on the Rock".
READING MATERIAL
Book 1: Pro Life Answers to Pro Choice Arguments - Randy Alcorn This well-researched book is a must for any person wanting a thorough understanding of the basic abortion issues and pro-life views about them.
Book 2: The Hand of God : A Journey from Death to Life by the Abortion Doctor Who Changed His Mind by Bernard N. Nathanson Autobiography combines with a battery of argument and data in this passionate account of the author's transition from pioneer of abortion rights to champion of the pro-life cause.
Book 3: The Human Development Hoax: Time to Tell the Truth (2nd Edition)
SOPHOMORE
VIDEOS
ULTRASOUND: Window to the Womb Look inside the womb with ultrasound. See the baby jump and kick. An excellent video which reinforces Life. The hour version also contains Shari Richard's testimony where abortion is addressed.
Meet the Abortion Providers: Twenty abortionists speak about their experiences and why they are now pro-life. Includes testimony by Dr. Bernard Nathanson, founder of the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws, who has become pro-life. Interviews with past abortionists reveal the money motivation of abortion and the horror stories of life in an abortuary. 1 hr version interspersed with ultrasound and abortion footage.
The Myth of Safe Sex Dr. Dobson and Dr McIlhaney explain the emotional and medical reasons to be chaste. Contradicts the myth of safe sex and details consequences of pre marital sex which has led to the epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases (52 min)
Love Them Both In 3 parts, Dr. & Mrs. Wilke present: 1: Human life, human rights, discrimination, choice (28 min) 2: Euthanasia, illegal, rape, unwanted, Post Abortion Syndrome, love both. (26 min) 3: Abortion (10 min). Also available in a book version.
READING MATERIAL
Book 1: Aborting America by Bernard N. Nathanson The New York Times refused to review Aborting America when first released it -- and the reasons why will be obvious upon reading this eye-opening insider account of the political games that led to the legalization of abortion in America.
Book 2: Abortion and Slavery : History Repeats by J. C. Willke Class reading-disscussion project: The Apple Argument AgainstAbortion by Peter Kreeft Ph.D. This easy to read article could be a homework assignment for a test and class discussion.
JUNIOR
VIDEOS
"A Doctor Explains the Abortion Procedures" - Noreen Johnson, M.D., OB/GYN - 15 minutes. Dr. Johnson explains in simple to understand terms the abortion procedures. As a pregnancy develops, different abortion methods are used. Each of these are discussed with the associated risks.
The Right Choice. Produced under the sponsorship of the US Bishops Pro-Life Committee, this video helps convince young people not to choose abortion. Order from the Pro-Life office at 202-541-3070Your Crisis Pregnancy Sensitively presents the story of prenatal life, summarizes abortion , and exposes the emotional backlash of post-abortion syndrome. Interviews with women who have actually experienced a crisis pregnancy. Very well done, emotional. Portrays Adoption in a good light. (26min)
Pro-Life Doctors Speak Out A discussion of the basic medical arguments against abortion, featuring Dr. Wilke, Dr. Nathanson and Dr. C. Everett Koop. Includes statements on when life begins, viability, abortion techniques and complications to women. (17 min)
READING MATERIAL
Book 1: ABORTION: THE SILENT HOLOCAUSTby John Powell S.J. (Paperback)One of the most important books on the subject ever written. This book has overwhelming importance for high-school students as well as adult study. Powell speaks directly to the reader as few writers can. He takes you along his personal journeys; from his studies in Germany and tour of the Dachau death camp, through his work in the pro-life movement.
Book 2: Reversing Roe- The Norma McCorvey Story. "Jane Roe," the plaintiff in the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, has abandoned her support of abortion. Find out how Norma McCorvey discovered the truth of the Gospel. Contact Dan Donehey, 509 Breezewood Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Book 3: Who Broke the Baby by Jean Staker Garton In this expanded edition of the pro-life classic, Dr. Jean Garton examines pro-choice slogans and the mindset behind them. This groundbreaking book probes the true meanings of these slogans, providing ready answers to abortion rhetoric.
SENIOR
VIDEOS
"After the Choice" - Concerned Women for America - 15 minutes - When the abortion is over, what do you do? Listen to women who know … these are not actors - their stories are true. Everything they say came from their own experience with abortion - before and after. They don't manipulate with their words - they will tell you the truth.
"Eclipse of Reason" - Dr. Bernard Nathanson - 27 minutes - Award Winning Documentary about women, and life and death in the womb. Documents the intrauterine life of a little boy at 5 months of age as seen through a fetoscope - a camera placed inside the pregnant uterus. Riveting images of a late abortion are then shown with a camera both inside and outside the uterus. Verifiable statistics emphasize that this horror takes place 400 times a day in the U.S. alone. In addition, there are interviews with the other victims of abortion, women who have been irreparably injured by abortion, physically and psychologically.
The Hard Truth. Powerful graphic evidence that abortion is murder. See conception take place. See a baby move in the womb. Witness the absolute brutality of abortion. (9 min) WARNING: Extremely graphic. A user's guide is enclosed and its use is strongly recommended. This video is less than 10 minutes and shows an abortion and aborted babies. It is meant to change the way people feel toward abortion. Order from Center for Bioethical Reform web site, or call 1-800-959-9775.
Abortion: The Inside Story. In November, 1994, former abortionists spoke out at a conference hosted by Joseph Scheidler of the Pro-life Action League. This video combines their testimony with that of other former abortionists from previous conferences. Ex-abortion clinic workers tell the inside story of what goes on, the mistakes, the "sales training", the hurt and disregard for the woman. (58 min) Order through Priests for Life, 888-PFL-3448.
READING MATERIAL
Book 1: Politically Correct Death : Answering the Arguments for Abortion Rights by Francis J. Beckwith If you purchase one book to give you an overview of the pro-life view and how it addresses common pro-abortion arguments, this is that book.
Book 2: Dehumanizing the Vulnerable : When Word Games Take Lives by William Brennan Shockingly relevant today, this hard-hitting study shows how dehumanizing language was and is being used to justify violent acts against vulnerable peoples--past and present--including the unborn, the elderly, women, Jews, and victims of Soviet tyranny. Dr. Brennan's argument focuses on the plight of today's unwanted, before and after birth and in the later stages of life.
Book 3: Humanist Manifestos 1&2. These two documents come straight from the enemy. They clearly illustrate the Anti-Christian / Pro-Death mentality of the culture of death.